United Goans Foundation (UGF) has condemned the attempt of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and Climate Change to redefine and decrease the No Development Zone (NDZ) to 50m from the high tide line. UGF pointed out that the CRZ Notification 2011 has made provisions to protect the rights of traditional people, including fishermen’s dwelling units, and alleged that this is a clandestine move to encourage corporates who have purchased most of Goa’s coastline to carry out commercial activities. UGF member Judith Almeida said, The CRZ Notifications 1991 and 2011 were scientifically formulated after engaging with all stakeholders keeping in mind the rise in sea level and potential effects of global warming. This is sought to be diluted for vested interests. This act can further harm not only the fishing communities but also the villages that are in close proximity to the sea. Goa is a tiny State and its existence could be threatened by the sea level rise, Almeida warned. The Goa government has proved in the last four years that it is working hard to facilitate the entry of various corporate houses to carry out activities completely ignoring the rules, regulations and various laws of the land, Almeida alleged. UGF has alleged that Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) which is the nodal agency to protect the CRZ and its environment is itself sought to be made defunct.
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